If you’ve never been to Tampa before, you’re missing out. From world-class museums to sandy beaches to a surprisingly diverse food scene, this highly underrated city has it all!
Visitors flock to Tampa year-round for its gloriously sunny weather. Outdoor enthusiasts love frolicking on the beaches, kayaking in Weedon Island Preserve, and biking along the bustling Riverwalk. If outdoor activities aren’t your thing, you can shop till you drop at International Plaza and Hyde Park Village, ride roller coasters at Busch Gardens, or take in the bay views with a cocktail in hand at one of the city’s rooftop bars.
There’s no doubt that Tampa is brimming with unique boutique hotels, family-friendly resorts, and luxurious bayside hotels. So many, in fact, that you might have a hard time choosing the perfect one. So we’ve created a list of the 12 best hotels in Tampa to help you plan your perfect getaway!
Don’t forget to check out our web story: 12 Cool Boutique Hotels in Tampa, Florida
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Where to Stay in Tampa
Most of the best hotels in Tampa are located in the downtown area. If this is your first visit to the city, downtown is a great place to base yourself. You’ll be surrounded by a range of interesting museums, entertainment venues, and some seriously good restaurants!
Located three miles east of the heart of town, Ybor is a great area to base yourself. This historic neighborhood was founded in 1880 and many of the area’s old cigar factories have been turned into some seriously cool boutique hotels. Plus, Ybor boasts some of the city’s best boutique shops, trendy microbreweries, and Cuban eateries.
If you’re in town to visit Busch Gardens or ZooTampa at Lowry Park, North Tampa is a super convenient area to stay. With all of its family-friendly attractions, this is a popular neighborhood for families traveling with young children.
And finally, if you want to stay in Tampa’s hippest part of town, then Hyde Park is the place to be. Not only will you find some of the city’s best hotels here but you can shop at Hyde Park Village, catch a performance at Tampa Theatre, or party the night away at one of the area’s many nightlife venues.
But no matter where you stay in Tampa, you’ll find plenty of cool hotels to choose from!
12 Best Hotels in Tampa
1. Hotel Haya
The highly anticipated Hotel Haya opened its doors in September 2020 and it didn’t take long for word to spread. With so many unique characteristics and amenities, Hotel Haya even made USA Today’s list of the “Top 10 Best New Hotels 2020!”
The boutique hotel is housed in two historic buildings on the vibrant 7th Avenue in Ybor City. Downtown Tampa is just a short streetcar ride away and all of 7th Avenue’s shops and nightlife venues are right outside your door.
In an effort to pay homage to the neighborhood’s history, artsy culture, and multi-cultural residents, you’ll find local artwork and Cuban accents all around this amazing hotel. Not only does Hotel Haya ooze character, but it also has a lovely outdoor pool, a chic pool bar, and a 24-hour gym.
You can sip Cuban coffee and munch on empanadas and Cuban sandwiches at the Cuban-inspired Café Quiquiriqui. The hotel is also home to the acclaimed restaurant Flor Fina. Whether you’re staying at this hotel or not, you’ll want to stop by and sample the chef’s ever-changing menu of fresh ceviches!
You’ll love unwinding in the stylish rooms after a long day or night on the town. Everything is brand new and impeccably decorated with colorful local art and decor crafted by local artisans.
2. Hotel Alba Tampa
Whether you’re in town for work or for play, Hotel Alba has got you covered. The entire hotel was recently given a multi-million dollar renovation so expect everything to be new and top of the line. Step inside this lavish hotel and you’ll immediately be impressed by the Insta-worthy lobby and its rotating art gallery and chic hanging egg chairs.
One of the many perks of staying at Hotel Alba is the free shuttle. The shuttle will take you anywhere within a three-mile radius, including Tampa International Airport and all the shops of Westshore Plaza so getting around town is a breeze! But with so many luxurious amenities, you may never want to leave this dreamy hotel!
Spend your days lounging around the spectacular outdoor pool. If you want to treat yourself, snag one of the poolside cabanas and order a cocktail or two from the festive pool bar. For dinner, The Spaniard serves up traditional Florida fare with a Tampa twist, including mojo marinated pork, pork empanadas, and ropa vieja.
The rooms are a blend of mid-century modern furniture, industrial-chic decor, and high-end technology. Brew your morning cup of joe with the Keurig coffee maker, have a relaxing movie night with the 50-inch flat-screen, and luxuriate in the tub after an action-packed day.
3. Epicurean Hotel
If you’re a foodie and are planning a trip to Tampa, look no further than the aptly named Epicurean Hotel. Not only does the hotel cater to food and wine enthusiasts with its multiple bars and restaurants but the famous Bern’s Steak House is just steps away!
Sip a glass of wine or mingle over Sunday brunch at the trendy Lobby Bar. In the evenings, head up to the chic rooftop bar where you can while away the hours with handcrafted cocktails and light bites while taking in the sweeping city views. And be sure to indulge in as many globally-inspired meals as possible at Élevage.
Wine lovers will want to pick up a bottle or two at Bern’s Fine Wines & Spirits in the lobby. If you really want to get into the spirit of the Epicurean, check out the events schedule at the on-site Epicurean Theater. The theater hosts a range of food-related events from oyster samplings to wine tastings to cooking classes lead by celebrity chefs!
The food experience extends to the modern rooms, which are outfitted with “artisan pantries.” You can choose from a range of premium liquors, local craft beers, and a selection of wines with suggested pantry pairings!
4. Current Hotel
If you want to stay right on the bay, the Current is one of the coolest hotels in Tampa Bay. With floor-to-ceiling windows, each room has unobstructed views of the beautiful bay. Plus, you can hang out at the rooftop bar (it’s the highest in Tampa!) and take in the view from there.
One of the most unique features of the Current is the private beach area. While it’s a non-swimming beach, you can still going fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding from the beach. Once you’re all beached out, you can enjoy a cocktail around the outdoor pool or gather around one of the fire pits and take in the sunset views.
The rooms all feature oversized beds, chic hardwood floors, and marble ensuites. You can keep up with your favorite shows with the 55-inch flat-screen, curl up with a good book on the bay-facing chaise lounge, or get some work done at the writing desk.
If you’re feeling peckish, you can order room service or stop by the on-site Julian Restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The ultra-popular Rusty Pelican is right next door and hosts a daily happy hour from 4-6:30 pm every evening. This is the perfect place to gather for sundowners and enjoy excellent seafood meals.
5. Le Méridien Tampa
Le Méridien is housed in a 100-year-old federal courthouse and located right in the heart of downtown. Explore the halls and you’ll find nods to the building’s history throughout the hotel, including the repurposed judge’s desk turned Concierge Desk, the stunning marble hallways and columns, and the original oak doors.
This incredible boutique hotel boasts 100 impeccably decorated rooms and suites. Whether you’re in town for business or pleasure, contemporary guestrooms have everything you need. You’ll love getting a good night’s sleep on the comfy beds, finishing up your work at the ergonomic workstation, and luxuriating in the ensuite.
Le Méridien is also home to a beautiful outdoor pool and a state-of-the-art fitness center if you want to keep up with your regimen. The hotel’s restaurant just happens to be one of the best in town and is well worth visiting, even if you’re not staying here.
The bistro-style restaurant and bar serves up New American fare with a French twist, including fresh seafood dishes, prime cuts of beef, and gourmet burgers. Be sure to try their signature eclairs!
6. Aloft – Tampa Downtown
Aloft is the perfect pick if you want to travel with your furry friends. Not only is this hip hotel dog-friendly but they will go all out and pamper your pooch with beds, gourmet treats, and toys! Even if you’re not looking for a pet-friendly hotel, there are plenty of reasons the trendsetting Aloft Hotel is such a popular pick.
The hotel is perched right on the banks of the Hillsborough River and the Riverwalk is just steps away! Whether you want to ride rollercoasters at Busch Gardens or catch a live performance at Tampa Theatre, all of the city’s major attractions are nearby.
After a fun-filled day, you’ll love kicking back and relaxing in the eye-catching rooms, which are adorned with colorful art, plush platform beds, and floor-to-ceiling windows with river and city views. If you want to go big, the top-floor suites boast spacious balconies where you can enjoy sunset drinks and take in the city views.
When you’re not on the town, you can soak up the sun at the rooftop pool, mingle with friends on the riverfront terrace, or sip late-night cocktails at the trendy W XYZ bar.
7. Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
The Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay is located right on the bay on 35 spectacular waterfront acres. From award-winning dining options to recreational activities, this hotel has so many unique amenities, you’ll never have to actually leave the hotel if you don’t want to!
Take advantage of the setting and go biking along the 9.5-mile bayside trail, keep a look out for manatees near the dock, or rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard from the hotel and explore the area’s waterways. If you’re looking for a more leisurely activity, you can also spend your days poolside with a cocktail in hand.
If you’re planning on celebrating a special occasion, Oystercatchers is the perfect place for an unforgettable dinner. The restaurant is hidden away on a private beach and serves up fresh seafood dishes from lobster mac n’ cheese to seafood towers. Oystercatchers was also voted “Best Brunch in Tampa” for numerous years.
You’ll love wrapping yourself in the soft bathrobe, getting comfy on the plush bed, and having a chilled-out movie night with the 55-inch flat-screen. The lavish suites are tempting options with their beach-chic living rooms, fully outfitted wet bars, and wrap-around floor-to-ceiling windows with gorgeous bay views.
8. West Wing Hotel
You know a hotel is something special when it’s one of the only hotels in the world with a robot butler! Wes the robot is one of the many things that makes West Wing Hotel one of the most unique hotels in Tampa.
The hotel opened in 2017 and was designed with the Room to be Green philosophy in mind. So expect to find sustainable practices, environmentally friendly resources, and ethical products all around this all-suite boutique hotel. There are also charging stations if you’re driving an electric car!
In an effort to help reduce your carbon footprint (and save on parking fees), the hotel offers a free shuttle service to nearby attractions including Adventure Island, Busch Gardens, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the airport.
The contemporary suites all boast ultra-comfy beds, stylish living areas, and kitchenettes. The Keurig coffee makers, microwaves, and refrigerators make it easy to brew your morning coffee, heat up leftovers for a midnight snack, and store all of your favorite cold drinks. If you need food or any other items brought to your room, Wes the robot is ready to bring you anything you need!
9. The Don Cesar
If you’d prefer to stay in the St. Pete area, look no further than the iconic Don Cesar. Known as “The Pink Palace,” the historic hotel was built in 1928. With its pink, castle-like façade and luxurious rooms, it didn’t take long for The Don Cesar to become a mecca for the rich and famous.
The entire hotel was recently renovated to maintain its historic roots while adding modern touches around every corner. Plus, The Don Cesar is located right on the white sands of St. Pete Beach so the location can’t be beat.
When you’re not lounging around the private beach or cruising around on a jet ski, you can work on your tan at one of the outdoor pools, get pampered at the full-service spa, or work up a sweat in the fitness center. The hotel also boasts six bars, restaurants, and lounges, including the award-winning Maritana Restaurant.
The updated rooms all feature Art Deco-inspired decor, tropical-themed artwork, and beautifully tiled showers. Modern amenities also include flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations, and Keurig coffee makers. If you’re in town for a special celebration the suites are well worth it for their spacious living rooms, furnished balconies, and Gulf views.
10. Sailport Waterfront Suites
As the name implies, Sailport Waterfront Suites happens to be Tampa’s only all-waterfront resort. With its central location and family-friendly accommodation, this is the perfect pick for the ultimate family beach vacation. The resort has tons of unique amenities that will keep you entertained for days on end!
Head down to the private beach, where you can soak up the sun from a lounge chair, take a dip in the bay, go fishing from the pier, or splash around in the geothermal beachside pool. The casual poolside bar and grill serves up delicious Southern-inspired dishes all day long, including Cuban sandwiches, fish tacos, and tropical burgers.
The suites were tailor-made for families who want a resort experience combined with the creature comforts of home. The 1- and 2-bedroom suites are outfitted with a separate bedroom, a living room with a sleeper sofa, and a fully equipped kitchen so you can prepare your own meals. If you feel like having a family cookout, you can grill up burgers and hot dogs using the communal barbecue facilities.
11. Floridan Palace Hotel
If you want to stay in a piece of history, look no further than the Floridan Palace Hotel. Formerly known as the Hotel Floridan, this traditional Beaux Arts-style building dates back to 1926 and is now on the National Register of Historic Places. The hotel has been meticulously restored so expect to find original architecture and old-world charm throughout this gem of a hotel.
The rooms are all outfitted with antique wood furniture, ornate decor, and gilded accents. You can brew your morning cup of coffee with the in-room coffee maker, catch up on your emails at the antique writing desk, and luxuriate in the marble ensuites.
The Lobby Bar and the historic Sapphire Bar are both excellent options for pre-dinner drinks. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, you’ll definitely want to get all dressed up and dine in the Crystal Dining Room. The elegant restaurant serves contemporary Mediterranean fare and boasts an impressive array of fine wines.
12. Tampa Marriott Water Street
The Tampa Marriott Water Street is one of the best hotels in Tampa if you want to be right in the center of the action. The Tampa Convention Center is steps away, the Riverwalk is a 10-minute walk away, and downtown is a mere 15-minute walk away. Plus, the hotel is located right on the water so expect picture-perfect views.
Whether you’re in town for work or for play you’ll love staying in the hotel’s stylish rooms. All rooms are outfitted with plush beds, large flat-screens, chaise lounges, and spacious writing desks. For the health-conscious, the hotel also offers 35 “Stay Well” rooms, which feature state-of-the-art air purification systems, high-tech circadian lighting features, and Vitamin C shower infusers.
When you’re not relaxing in your room, you can bask in the Florida sunshine at the rooftop pool, keep up with your routine in the fitness center, or wine and dine at one of the many on-site bars, restaurants, and cafes. Enjoy leisurely breakfasts at Café Waterside, order poolside cocktails at Pool Bar & Grill, and indulge on sophisticated seafood fare at Anchor and Brine.
That completes our list of the 12 best Tampa hotels! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Tampa? Comment below so we can add them to the list!
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Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re a foodie and are planning a trip to Tampa, look no further than the aptly named Epicurean Hotel. Not only does the hotel cater to food and wine enthusiasts with its multiple bars and restaurants but the famous Bern’s Steak House is just steps away! And be sure to indulge in as many globally-inspired meals as possible at Élevage.
You know a hotel is something special when it’s one of the only hotels in the world with a robot butler! Wes the robot is one of the many things that makes West Wing Hotel one of the most unique hotels in Tampa. The hotel opened in 2017 and was designed with the Room to be Green philosophy in mind. So expect to find sustainable practices, environmentally friendly resources, and ethical products all around this all-suite boutique hotel. There are also charging stations if you’re driving an electric car!
Aloft is the perfect pick if you want to travel with your furry friends. Not only is this hip hotel dog-friendly but they will go all out and pamper your pooch with beds, gourmet treats, and toys! Even if you’re not looking for a pet-friendly hotel, there are plenty of reasons the trendsetting Aloft Hotel is such a popular pick.
The Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay is located right on the bay on 35 spectacular waterfront acres. From award-winning dining options to recreational activities, this hotel has so many unique amenities, you’ll never have to actually leave the hotel if you don’t want to! Take advantage of the setting and go biking along the 9.5-mile bayside trail, keep a look out for manatees near the dock, or rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard from the hotel and explore the area’s waterways. If you’re looking for a more leisurely activity, you can also spend your days poolside with a cocktail in hand.
If you’d prefer to stay in the St. Pete area, look no further than the iconic Don Cesar. Known as “The Pink Palace,” the historic hotel was built in 1928. With its pink, castle-like façade and luxurious rooms, it didn’t take long for The Don Cesar to become a mecca for the rich and famous. The entire hotel was recently renovated to maintain its historic roots while adding modern touches around every corner.
